Book Description
This book describes how understanding the structure of reality leads to the Theory of Everything Equation. The equation unifies the forces of nature and enables the merging of relativity with quantum theory. The book explains the big bang theory and everything else.
Customer Reviews:
The Real Deal.......2006-09-25
Although Mr. Wheatley is a little verbose in sections, his documentation of Zen Buddhistic Principles found throughout the disciplines of Mathematics, Physics, Theology, etc. forms a nice reference guide for anyone tuned into that wavelength. In particular, his explanation of how Godel's Theorem and Cantor's "Confusion" shed great light on the difference between GOD's Logic and Man's Logic should be a revelation to any undergraduate level math students who encounter these ideas for the first time. Curiously, Mr. Wheatley makes many misstatements about both Zen Buddhism Principles and the Bible, however. For example, by accepting the false biblical teaching of Original Sin, he misses the point that eating the proverbial apple gave Adam and Eve the ability to make Moral Discernments in fulfillment of GOD'S PERFECT PLAN. As proof, read Genesis 1 which states that Man and Woman were made in GOD's Image. Genesis 4 shows that Adam and Eve weren't the first humans on Earth at all, there were plenty of others by then. The allegorical meaning of the story of Eden, then, isn't that Adam and Eve were the first humans on Earth, but they were the first humans with the ability to make Moral Discernments (in GOD's Image). In fact, Moral Discernment is God's Unique Gift to Man, which is the basis of consciousness, not some Math Formula. But because the wages of the resulting, unavoidable sin are Death, many people foolishly try to return to Eden by: (1) living a sinless Life (2) by removing choice altogether by passing and enforcing strict Laws (3) by attempting to do away with Moral Discernment and the resulting consequences for our actions altogether by trying to remove Shame from Shameful actions. GOD is not some ethereal Man-In-Space, but is simply the Totality of all Real Things, The Set of All Real Sets. GOD's Love manifests itself from the amazing sub-atomic relationships that underly this magic Life all the way to the grandest of Macroscopic Scales, the Interconnected Totality itself. The Zen Buddhism connection can be found by simply superimposing the 0 symbol and the symbol for infinity (8 on its side) in Mr. Wheatley's supposedly "new" formulation that 1 = 0 x infinity. Superimposing them gives you the yin-yang symbol. A potential disadvantage of artificially separating the infinity from the zero, however, is that Mr. Wheatley is able to equate the entire expression to be equal to 1. This potentially might obscure the fact that the deepest meaning of the yin-yang symbol is that it is both 2 and 1 AT THE SAME TIME. His overall equation does preserve that important meaning by utilizing a single element on one side of the equation and two elements on the other side of his final TOE equation. This may be hard to see for some at first, however, which could potentially obscure the richest meaning of this beautiful symbol/equation. A much more GODLY TOE, in my opinion, comes from Euler, who discovered that e ^ (i * pi) - 1 = 0. When someone can explain that relationship, then they can say they know GOD.
A life changing experience??.......2005-06-13
This book is an easy read and does succeed in being somewhat thought-provoking. However, I am a little surprised at the awesome, "life changing" experience it apparently was for many of the readers. Wheatley's conclusions were interesting but nothing really new. All of his material should have passed through the mind of any thinking person without the aid of this book.
The reason I gave this book three stars is because he uses unneccessarily wordy ways of describing simple things. Also, the author and many other reviewers insist that Wheatley makes only one assumption. Wrong-his whole theory is one big assumption.
Overall though it was a very interesting and worthy book.
Should be Required Reading for everyone.......2004-06-26
This book will change your life. You will never think the same way you did before reading it.
I have a degree in chemistry and I think this book should be read by everyone in the sciences. Without a doubt, the best book I've ever read. Why and what are two of our best friends
A Very Important Book.......2004-01-26
I must preface my review by stating that I have never been so excited and moved by a book that I have wanted to contact the author. That is what I found myself doing upon reading this book. This book is just what its title says. The author does not "miss a beat" describing in great detail using practically every aspect of scientific knowledge from atomic structure through logic to quantum theory---we are even given a valuable explanation of Love. This text may be challenging to read for those unfamiliar with scientific terminology. And it can also be difficult for those with a science background, such as myself. However, for me it is well worth the work necessary to strive to understand the unfamiliar terminology. (I am continually learning from this book. I am presently on my third reread).
One of the author's main messages is "not" to believe anything without first verifying it with reality, as we know it. He calls it the "Personal Explanation Principle". He indicates that religions are just such belief systems that we as people "fall" victims of; because we do not verify the beliefs with the facts, as we know them, of reality. He gives a very detailed explanation of how the New Testament can be explored using his methodology.
The author methodically and meticulously walks us through his thought processes, which took 30 years to assimilate, of delineating the structure of reality and the nature of consciousness. Included in the "walk" are many of reality's phenomena made revelatory. An example of that, for me, would be the dual nature of light. It's particle/wave duality, which is explained as "functions". Also, when the author took me on the mental journey of "Setness" an exhilaration of the magnificence of life swelled up in me.
To me this is a very important book that should be read by all that are seekers of truth. It is for all those wanting to gain an understanding of the purpose for their existence, wanting to know where life is headed towards, and wanting to know who God is.
This book will enlighten and develop one's mind substantially. You will discover that this is our objective.
And yes, I contacted the author and he responded openly.
Illuminating!!!.......2002-12-30
This is a really great book. It combines philosophy and science in order to tackle a multitude of existential problems. The author's style of writing is fresh and alive, I recommend ths book to anyone interested in expanding the fronteirs of their understanding. Books I also liked are a Universe in an Nutshell by Steven Hawkings and Descent into Illusions by Paul Omeziri.
Book Description
“Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?” —Mary Oliver
This luminous anthology brings together great poets from around the world whose work transcends culture and time. Their words reach past the outer divisions to the universal currents of love and revelation that move and inspire us all. These poems urge us to wake up and love. They also call on us to relinquish our grip on ideas and opinions that confine us and, instead, to risk moving forward into the life that is truly ours.
In his selection, Roger Housden has placed strong emphasis on contemporary voices such as the American poet laureate Billy Collins and the Nobel Prize–winners Czeslaw Milosz and Seamus Heaney, but the collection also includes some timeless echoes of the past in the form of work by masters such as Goethe, Wordsworth, and Emily Dickinson.
The tens of thousands of readers of Roger Housden’s “Ten Poems” series will welcome this beautiful harvest of poems that both open the mind and heal the heart.
Customer Reviews:
Not so great.......2007-01-30
I return to a really good anthology (Staying Alive) over and over to find favorites and to stumble upon those I've not read yet, and those poems I've forgotten.
I haven't picked up this book (Risking Everything) a second time - there's just nothing in it I need to read again. Too bad.
After reading supeb reviews I strongly felt compelled to try!.......2006-05-29
Already a fan of Frost, Cummings, Dickinson, Eliot, Kunitz, and Rilke, I began with James Wright: "Today I Was Happy, So I Made This Poem." Then I discovered, "We Shall Not Cease," by Eliot, the "Holy Spirit" by Hildegard and "Sunset" of Rilke! Quickly as carried back into that, never-never Land of youthful days, I settled into early favorites of Robert Frost and ee Cummings!
In addition to these favorites by Wright, Eliot, Hildegard, Rilke, I have come to a renewed reverence for Goethe, Wordsworth and Robert Bly!
Back to days spent singing with Robert Shaw and Frostiana Pieces like, "The Road Not Taken and "I Thank You God for this amazing day." These stand alongside the 99 year-old Stanley Kunitz, "The Long Boat!"
FROM one who tends toward nostalgia, Retired Chaplain, Fred W Hood, "barbara377" (Fayetteville Georgia United States)
Save Your Soul! Beautiful & Complete.......2006-05-24
I have been carrying this book around with me since I purchased it at the beginning of the year. It has helped carrying me through a pretty rough personal time. As usual, Housden is spot on with his choices; in terms of nourishing the spirit, there's a range of choice, and there isn't a bad poem in the lot. In fact, some of the best poems ever written are collected here. This book has become so meaningful for me that I'm requiring it for my new poetry students next semester. I've also given copies as gifts. Don't miss it!
A Luminous & Inspirational Poetry Anthology.......2005-08-09
Writer and editor Roger Housden's luminous and inspirational compilation of poetry "Risking Everything: 110 Poems of Love and Revelation," is one of the best anthologies of this type I have read or seen. This is Housden's fourth volume of a series that began with "Ten Poems To Change Your Life."
In "Risking Everything: 110 Poems of Love and Revelation," Housden selected 110 poems from around the world, whose poets' lives and works span the centuries. I frequently open the book at random and never fail to be moved. Housden has written: "Great poetry happens when the mind is looking the other way and words fall from the sky to shape a moment that would normally be untranslatable." Carl Sandburg wrote: "Poetry is the journal of the sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air. Poetry is a search for syllables to shoot at the barriers of the unknown and the unknowable. Poetry is a phantom script telling how rainbows are made and why they go away." And from Emily Dickenson: "To see the Summer Sky / Is Poetry though never in a Book it lie / True Poems flee." Whatever poetry is, some of the best can be found here.
Included in this volume are: "Poetry" by Pablo Neruda, "On Angels" "Eyes" by Czeslaw Milosz, "Today Like Every Other Day" by Rumi, "That Day" by Denise Levertov, "Milkweed" by James Wright, "My Fiftieth Year" by W. B. Yeats, "Sunset," and "The Swan" by Ranier Marie Rilke, "The Wind One Brilliant Day" by Antonio Machado, "Everything Is Plundered" by Anna Akhmatova, "Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey" (excerpt) by William Wordsworth, "A Homecoming" by Wendell Berry, "The Third Body" by Robert Bly, "To have without holding" by Marge Piercy, "Deeper Than Love" by D. H. Lawrence, "The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry," "Soul At The White Heat" and "Wild Nights" by Emily Dickenson, "I Thank You" by E.E. Cummings, "Postscript" by Seamus Heaney, "The Road Not Taken" Robert Frost.
Roger Housdan is the author of numerous books on cultural and spiritual themes, including the bestselling Ten Poems series.
JANA
To live is to risk.......2005-07-21
A few days ago I picked up a copy of Roger Housden's anthology Risking Everything: 110 Poems of Love and Revelation. Today I opened it at a random page, and suddenly felt compelled to start reading the poem out loud. It was D. H. Lawrence's Deeper Than Love, and I found myself reading it slowly, lingering over the words, tasting them, feeling their weight on my tongue.
Love, like the flowers, is life, growing.
But underneath are the deep rocks, the living rock that lives alone
and deeper still the unknown fire, unknown and heavy, heavy and alone.
The noise of the air conditioner in the kitchen drowned my speech (it's a miserable night, dew point around 75, no central air) which was good: I was only reading for myself. I finished the Lawrence, and opened again at random: Billy Collins' This Much I Do Remember. Not a poem to read out loud, this one, but one to close your eyes and see what the poet had seen:
that I could feel it being painted within me
brushed on the wall of my skull
And of course all of Housden's favourites are here, like old familiar friends: Rumi, Bly, and above all Mary Oliver. What a glorious collection.
Book Description
1901. Without any special study of the literature of mysticism for purposes of comparison, in reading Julian's book one is struck by a few characteristics wherein it differs from many other mystical writings, as well as by qualities that belong to most or all of that general designation. Julian does not set out to teach methods of any kind for the gradual drawing near of man to God, but to record and show forth a revelation, granted once, of God's actual nearness to the soul, and for this revelation she herself had been prepared by the stirring of her conscience, her love and her understanding, in a word of her faith.
Customer Reviews:
Classic work of English mysticism.......2006-11-15
Julian was an anchoress living in medieval England, before the turbulence of the English civil wars and Reformation tore the religious life of the country apart.
England was generally not a fertile ground for mysticism, compared with continental Europe or Greece. While there were some exceptions, generally England did not produce many religious thinkers who could be classified as 'mystics.'
Despite this, there were some great mystics such as Julian. Julian experienced a series of visions at the age of 30 when a serious illness almost killed her. Today we might call such experiences 'near death experiences' and write them off as unusual chemical activity in the brain occuring when it is close to death, but back then Julian interpreted it as God's revelation to her. These visions included visions showing the love God has for the creation, the possible universal salvation of all on the last day, and also about the nature of God's love for us despite the dangers of sin and divine judgement.
In a troubled age as our own we can hope with Julian that God's love will prevail and in the end 'All will be well.'
Profound and inspiring.......2000-12-06
Julian's utter devotion to God amazes me. Sure, the medieval imagery, symbols, and style of writing take a little getting used to--but her intense desire for intimacy with her Lord is inspiring.
As a devout (mostly Protestant) Christian, I highly recommend this work. Read it and you'll understand why people have been drawn closer to Him through Julian's writing.
Wordy and Obtuse.......2000-10-15
Julian of Norwich, an anchoress from 14th century England who is best known for this theological tract, sets out an interesting belief system in which she concentrates on the womanly nature of Christ and God. Julian had sixteen visions which she referred to as "showings" while she was suffering an illness. These showings revealed divine messages from God that Julian then set to paper through scribes.
In my opinion, most of her revelations are tiresome to slog through, and she is a master of reptition. Also, her descriptions of the crucifixition are pretty gory and unsettling, which might bother some readers. This book is probably best read in very short bursts so that it's easier to absorb the material and ponder what Julian is trying to say.
There are certainly good things to say about this book. Her parable about man falling in sin is excellent and fun to read. I'll probably read this section again and again. I'm also glad I read this as part of a class on the Middle Ages. The background I learned in this class makes some of the text a bit clearer. It's important to understand that Europe was being rocked by the Black Death and that the Church was wrapped up in a schism while Julian was pondering her visions. The upsetting descriptions of Christ's suffering and his motherly attention to man makes more sense when the reader understands that half of Europe was dying and faith was being seriously challenged. Be sure and look at the appendices, because there is a reprint of a brief selection of the Revelations written in Middle English. It's neat to read it as it was written and try and make sense of the words.
I won't read the whole book again, but I would say that it should be read once, especially for those studying European history or theological systems.
Julian is #1.......2000-09-03
I really liked her book. She made me feel good inside and she made me smile. I like to smile. My mom says everyone should read her book. Mommy's also helping me write this letter. I like her book and I wish everyone could read it.
Kristy
God as Lover.......2000-08-21
I enjoyed reading this book. It is an account of 16 visions which appeared to Mother Julian (1342-1416) along with her meditations of the experience. She was a recluse who lived in Norwich in what is now the British Isles. I had not considered the LORD my God as my lover until I learned this from Julian. In her natural style, she explained to me the love God has for each of us. This statement of hers has meant a great deal to me, " Some of us believe that God is almighty, and may do everything; and that he is all wise and can do everything; but that he is all love, and >>will
<
< do everything - there we draw back. And as I see it, this ignorance is the greatest of all hindrances to God's lovers." I feel that this is a message from which many may benefit, regardless of creed. In addition, I learned a bit about the solitary religious life which was popular in the Middle Ages. If you are interested in learning of the love God has for you, or in the religion of the Middle Ages, this book will be interesting to you.
Book Description
Julian of Norwich is among the most intriguing religious visionaries in Christian history. Carefully edited for the undergraduate reader, this Norton Critical Edition includes an informed introduction, focusing on Julian's theology and preparing students to understand the complex, controversial themes of the text, particularly Julian's solution to the problem of evil in Revelation XIII and XIV. Paragraph divisions have been organized to emphasize the thematic units of each chapter, and the sentences have been punctuated for clarity.
The text included is a Middle English edition, based on the Paris manuscript (1580—1650) of the long text, with language akin to Chaucer's and therefore more accessible than other Middle English editions.
"Contexts" includes contemporary texts that help students better understand Julian's originality, including selections from works by Margery Kempe, Augustine, Aelred of Rievaulx, and Walter Hilton.
"Criticism" brings together interpretations that address the themes and style of the Showings by Sandra McEntire, Lynn Staley, B. A. Windeatt, and David Aers, among others.
A Selected Bibliography is also included.
About the Series: No other series of classic texts equals the caliber of the
Norton Critical Editions. Each volume combines the most authoritative text available with the comprehensive pedagogical apparatus necessary to appreciate the work fully. Careful editing, first-rate translation, and thorough explanatory annotations allow each text to meet the highest literary standards while remaining accessible to students. Each edition is printed on acid-free paper and every text in the series remains in print. Norton Critical Editions are the choice for excellence in scholarship for students at more than 2,000 universities worldwide.
Customer Reviews:
Julian of Norwich, Showings.......2007-08-29
For the first half of the book comprising Julian's message, I would have
given 5 points, but the appendices are not on this level.
Julian's text is original and definitely inspiring. The way she deals with
Church dogma is ingenious, as she never denies it but makes credible state-
ments that transcend Church teaching without denying it.
She is, as far as I can know, a genuine mystic who experienced bona-fide
"private revelations" that enrich a reader's spirituality despite the time
gap of more than six centuries. The 14th-century English is not always easy
to uinderstand in depth, but the effort is very worthwhile.
Her statements on Christ, the Trinity, the soul and redemption are master-
pieces of lay theology.
difficult.......2007-02-22
this is a great religious book. Julian of Norwich asked God to suffer more inorder to see him and understand him and this is her story. I cannot imagine living like she did but she was doing it to be'closer to God.' I think that once you overcome the difficulties of the book (it's in mad crazy old english) that it is a good book.
Book Description
This isn't just a children's book. This book is for parents - parents who care deeply about passing on a legacy of faith in Christ. Parents who invite their children to "ask Jesus into your heart."
But what does that phrase really mean? And is it biblical? In my role as pastor and parent, I've found that when asked, many children don't understand that this phrase is symbolic. Jesus does not step into their chests to live there.
Seeing this disconnect between a grown-up's metaphor and a child's understanding, I wrote What God Has Always Wanted. It helps children understand the simple Gospel message: God desires to live in friendship with the people He created, now and forever. It gives the big-picture story of the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation.
Did you know that what God has always wanted is for you to become one of his friends?
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful.......2007-09-30
I purchased this book for my children because it tells the story of the bible from beginning to end in a way that can be comprehended by even the youngest of children. This book is helpful for the adult as well, because it help's us what God's intentions are. This is a wonderful way to share Gods Way's with your children. I plan to give this book as a gift, and to keep my copy for my future grandchildren. This is book is a keeper.
A Great Resource for Adults, too!.......2007-06-07
I've given this book to several parents with young children, and the parents seem to benefit as much as their children! Why? The story line of the Bible is unfamiliar to alot of adults -- even adults who read the Bible regularly or attend a Bible study group. They may have a good grasp of Bible books like Psalms or Romans. But it's a challenge to see the big picture. Boyd's book provides the 'big picture' view for children and adults.
A different kind of Bible book for kids.......2007-02-02
In Postmodern Children's Ministry, Ivy Beckwith writes of the danger of reducing the Bible to "doctrinal tenets, moral absolutes, tips for better living, or stories of heroes to be emulated." Instead of using the Bible to "teach children moral lessons...we need the Bible to introduce children to God, God's story, and God's ways."
That's why I was excited to discover Charles F. Boyd's book, What God Has Always Wanted: The Bible's Big Idea from Genesis through Revelation. It answers the question, "What's the Bible about anyway?" and introduces the story of Scripture to children.
Boyd says, "I believe we do a good job teaching children Bible stories, but we haven't done as good a job of teaching the Bible's story. By setting the gospel in the overall storyline of the Bible, I believe children can better see how Jesus and His friendship is truly what ties the Bible's story together from start to finish."
Boyd clearly presents the story of Scripture from creation and fall to Jesus and the new creation. It invites children to become participants in the story by becoming friends with God. Boyd also includes a helpful glossary to help adults answer questions that kids might raise as they read the book together.
Here's the real genius of the book: it's not just a children's book, it is a "parenting book disguised as a children's book." It equips parents and teachers to share the gospel with kids in a way that they will understand.
There are lots of entertaining books, movies, and curriculum for kids. What God Has Always Wanted moves beyond the normal approach of telling individual stories and teaching moral lessons, and tells God's story. This is a very encouraging book for kids, and I highly recommend it for churches, parents, teachers, and grandparents.
Excellent learning resource for leading your child to Christ.......2007-01-05
This book is an excellent tool for initially presenting the salvation message to your child and upon which you can build for future years. I believe this book is unique because all the children's Bible books on the market which I have found present only one story of the Bible at a time, while this book presents an entire overview of the Bible and the recurring salvation message in a way that even a small child can understand.
Substantial contribution.......2006-11-23
Throughout the years of childhood, kids raised in the church hear Bible Stories. Somewhere in the mix, however, they often never hear or never grasp the big picture of the Bible enough to see how all of the stories fit together. We can be grateful then for this book that helps parents and teachers tell that story and does it so well! Every Sunday school should make this book an important part of its curriculum so that students not only come to know the Bible stories, but get to know God and his plan.
Average customer rating:
- The Motherhood of God?
- A Revelation for Today
- A Wonderful Revelation
|
Revelation of Love
Julian of Norwich , and
John Skinner
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ASIN: 0385487568
Release Date: 1997-04-14 |
Book Description
"I have been reading Lady Julian of Norwich," declares C.S. Lewis in a letter to his former pupil, the Benedictine mystic Bede Griffiths. "A dangerous book, clearly. I'm glad I didn't read it much earlier." Thomas Merton wrote simply, "There can be no doubt that Julian is the greatest of the English mystics."
Few texts have had held such interest or been the object of such enduring devotion as has Julian of Norwich's 14th-century classic A Revelation of Love. This great work--along with The Cloud of Unknowing and Teresa of Avila's The Interior Castle--form the very heart of Western mysticism, and each generation has cherished its beautiful poetry and profound account of a soul's quest for the divine. This new translation of Julian's mystical writings offers today's reader immediate access to this most powerful spiritual of books written in English. Julian's message of God's intimate and enabling love is revealed as both beguiling and inescapable. The poetry and rhythmic structure of the original Middle English text are respected, yet it is given fresh immediacy since it is now rendered in inclusive language for the first time ever. Moreover Julian's key ideas are easily identified-even by newcomers to her unique system of thought-by means of an original and authoritative linking commentary at the head of each key chapter, as well as continuing support from highly informative footnotes and a detailed glossary of the main terms used.
Customer Reviews:
The Motherhood of God?.......2003-05-03
CS Lewis said Revelation of Love was the most "dangerous" book he has ever read, dangerous in a positive, life-changing way, not life-threatening way.
God's masculine attributes have been explored, disected, expanded throughout the centuries. He is our Father: the Protector, the Provider, the Discipliner... And it is quite theologically and grammatically correct to refer to God with a masculine title "Him" "He" or "Father". The original Greek in our New Testament and in the translation of the Old Testament into Greek (Septuagint) use masculine pronouns in reference to God. Yet the God who created man, also created woman.
Every attribute that we love about our moms ...; caring, compassionate, gentle, etc can be found in our God. Julian stretches one's view of God, even making one uncomfortable as she makes analogies and comparisons with God's feminine nature that one may be unfamiliar with: "until now and even until Doomsday, He feeds us and helps us, according to the high sovereign kindness of His Motherhood that answers our kindly needs of childhood. Fair and sweet is our heavenly Mother in our soul's sight; precious and lovely are His gracious children in the sight of our heavenly Mother...for a child will never dispair of a mother's love".But she, in no way, goes as far as liberal scholars today who want to change the masculine pronouns in the Bible to neutral ones. All this gender discussion should not hinder one from reading this book.
Julian's words are a fresh, gentle breeze or even sometimes a strong gust, to cool the sweat from faces heated by the serious discussions of doctrines and eschatology
"our Lover desires the soul to stay close to Him with all its strength, clinging ever more tightly to His goodness. Of all things the heart may think, this pleases God the most and affords us much progress."
"I (Julian) saw His continual working in every conceivable thing is done so goodly, so wisely, and so mightily that it defies imagination, and all that we can guess or think".
"Take the discomforts of this life as lightly as we can by counting them as nothing"
"He did not say , 'You shall not be tempted, you shall not be in trials, you shall not be distressed,' but He said 'You shall not be overcome'."
Some of the visions in her book were too confusing and feel free to skim over them to search for the refreshing drink of encouraging words Julian offers us. My favorite part is where she describes how Jesus, if He could, would [end life] on the cross over and over again until we lost count, just to show us how much He loves us!
A Revelation for Today.......2002-05-28
Mother Julian's message reaches across the years and speaks to contemporary Christian spiritual seekers. Many have heard her famous, "And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well." These comforting words are only one of the many jewels to be found in the The Revelation of Love. In particular, I am gently touched by her imagery of Christ as Mother. Having fled the hell-and-brimstone denomination of my youth, Mother Julian affirms that my concept of an all-loving God isn't something we've concocted in recent years to make ourselves feel better.
While Fr. John Julian's translation of this text is my favorite, it is currently out of print. This version is a close second and I highly recommend it to fellow pilgrims.
A Wonderful Revelation.......2001-05-05
If you have never read Julian of Norwich before, this is the place to start. If you've read other editions, I think you'll like this translation.
Julian of Norwich wrote her revelations in Middle English, and is perhaps the first woman ever to write a book in the English language. Because Middle English is fairly accessible, what is needed is not so much a translation as a re-casting into modern English. John Skinner does a masterful job of retaining Julian's voice and brings many of her terms over into modern English. Rather than supply the Latinized "union with God" (or even more abstract sounding "divine union") he keeps Julian's own words "our oneing with God," as he does with words such as "again-making" and "dear-worthy" giving a strong sense of actually hearing Julian's own voice.
And what a lovely voice it is. Her language is, as she would say, "homely and courteous," simple yet refined and elegant. Her mind is clear, honest, intelligent, and wise. Although she is often termed a "visionary," the visions that she spent her life pondering happened in a single day. In fact, what she experienced is what modern people would call a "near-death experience." As she lay in a state somewhere between life and death, she saw a series of visions, beginning with an image of Jesus dying slowly on the cross. In my first approach to her writings, I was somewhat put off by the Medieval-ness of what she saw. But, like Julian herself, I needed to press through the first impression, and seek for the meaning that she drew from what she saw.
What most endears Julian to me is that she thinks. First of all, she admits that after regaining normal consciousness, she said of her visions, "I raved," meaning that she dismissed what she had seen as merely delirium. But in some manner the visions were repeated, and she realized that she was in danger of dismissing a spiritual experience of great depth and meaning. Julian then reflected on the meaning of what she had seen for the rest of her life. These "showings" became the basis for continuing spiritual insight, as she wrestled with the symbolism, the conflict they presented to accepted doctrine, and the need to understand what she had experienced so vividly.
Julian goes back to God again and again, asking questions, asking for understanding, wanting "with all her might" as she says, to know the truth. And God most courteously deepens her understanding. But not everything can be known or said.
Her parable of the lord and the servant opens up a view of Original Sin that turns that doctrine from a stumbling block to a source of comfort. She also sees the Trinity as ultimately including "all who will be saved," which is her way of saying (without quite saying) all of humanity.
It is fascinating to see Julians's mind and spirit deal with the fact that when she was face to face with God, she could not see the existence of sin. She debates within herself, and with God, asking, Is it not a fact that we are all sinners? The church teaches it and experience proves it. She feels torn between what she believes, and what God now showed her. And with all her mind and all her spirit, she seeks a way to reconcile the conflict. In the end, she comes to a view of sin that, if we could all catch her vision, would be the means of making all things well, as God promised her.
God's love for humanity pervades Julian's thought and her very words seem to me to be full of light and grace.
Skinner uses footnotes sparingly, although some of the footnotes he does include are cryptic and confusing. His glossary is very helpful in understanding Julian's language and thought. But in one key term, there is, I believe a punctuation mistake which alters the meaning that I think the translator intends: "sensuality: the sinful side of kind, that is, being transformed by the workings of mercy and grace." If we remove the two commas, the definition makes more sense. But I question whether Julian sees our "sensuality" (our sense-knowledge of ourselves, I think she means) as the sinful side of our nature (kind = nature, as in mankind.) Sensual knowledge is inadequate, true; but to read "sinful" into it, after all she has said about God not seeing sin in us, strikes me as wrong. This term "sensuality" is significant in understanding her work, so I would ask other readers to consider for yourself what she means by it.
But I cannot end this review on a negative note, so I will end by quoting her own conclusion:
"I often desired to know our Lord's meaning (in giving me these showings. ) And fifteen years and more after, I was answered in spiritual understanding, with this saying: 'Would you know your Lord's meaning in this thing? Know it well:love was his meaning. Who showed you? Love. What did he show you? Love. Wherefore did he show it you? For love. Hold yourself therein and you shall know and learn more in the same; but you will never know nor learn another thing therein without end.' Thus was I taught that love was our Lord's meaning. And I saw full surely in this and in all that before God made us he loved us; which love was never slaked, nor never shall be."
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CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
Mariology
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General
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Luther, Martin
| ( L )
| People, A-Z
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Augustine, Saint
| ( A )
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ASIN: 1931848076
Release Date: 2006-12-15 |
Product Description
The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.
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A Lesson of Love: The Revelations of Julian of Norwich
Father John-Julian
Manufacturer: Walker & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Medieval
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Inspirational
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Devotionals
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Devotionals
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ASIN: 0802710298 |
Customer Reviews:
Lady Julian's book changed my life.......2006-06-17
There have been only a few landmark books along my path but this is one of them. If you are fed up with all the misrepresentations of the nature and character of God, then read this. Lady Julian takes us into her depths of revelation as to His true nature and selfless love toward us.
Here is a brief except from the ninth showing:
"We are His bliss, we are His reward, we are His glory, we are His crown. It was a singular marvel and a thing most delightful to behold, that we are His crown. All of this is so great a joy to Jesus that for it He counts all His painful labor, His difficult passion, His cruel and shameful death, as nothing... I saw in truth that He would have died as often as He could have, and love would never let Him rest until He had done it. I looked with great diligence to learn how often He would die if He could, and in truth, the number exceeded the power of my understanding and my wits to such an extent that my reason might not and could not comprehend it or take it in. And even when He had died, or would have died, this many times, He still would count it as nothing for love, for all seems very small compared to His love."
Work of amazing depth and richness.......2000-08-13
Julian's work is a rich combination of ascetic, sacramental, and doctrinal theology, presented with a haunting simplicity and charm. Through referring entirely to her revelations, apparently a singular incident, Julian, with obviously burning love, manages to set forth truths with great understanding and depth. Readers will miss much of this, if they read it solely as a feminist statement - her treatment of God as Mother, for example, includes references to numerous doctrinal and sacramental implications.
Superb work for anyone interested in Christian mysticism at its best.
Everyone's Favorite Mystic.......2000-05-05
At the time she wrote, Julian's "showings" were not considered completely compatible with Church doctrine. However, she was not censured by the people of Norwich or the Church. She is famous for her audacity, in that she claimed her writings were as inspired as the Bible. Moreover for her specific doctrine that God is our Mother as much as he is our Father. Meaning only that his character transcends the way we think of gender and especially the roles we have attribute to it. Julian also stated that in God there is no wrath. I recommend this book to anyone reading for fun, for theological insight, or for any combination of feminist or spiritual curiosity. She was an amazing woman whose work is perpetually relevant as a religious and as a feminist text.
Book Description
J.T. Whitman tells a unique story about people who get caught by a rare natural phenomenon—a straight lightning bolt. These straight bolts propel bystanders back in time. What would you do if you suddenly found yourself back in time? This action-packed novel describes the lives of three individuals with different motivations for wanting to change their lives the second time around. Wyatt Coleman is transported from 1999 back to 1970 and wants to know why. Jennifer Tomas is pulled from her spoiled lifestyle in 1992 and is forced to change it in 1968. Elisaio Munoz has just been released from prison in 1991, and is overcome with power and greed upon his return to 1984. Learn how these three people change the future.
Customer Reviews:
STR8 BOLT.......2007-07-10
From the time I got about a third in to the book, I simply could not put it down. I really enjoy stories involving time travel and the book seemed to have familiar character traits, locations, and situations that appeal to a broad range of people. I think this story would make a great movie and I am really looking forward to the sequel.
Loved the book!.......2007-07-09
I read the book because I know the author, however to my surprise the book
greatly surpassed my expectations. My book club read it as one of our monthly selections and everyone truely enjoyed this unique story. We can't wait to read his next book when it is completed.
About Str8 Bolt.......2007-04-20
I really enjoyed the book and stayed up till 4:30 A.M. this morning (February 6th) to finish it! I truly love time travel stories and this book was an eye-opener! The consistency of the characters and the time references were done very well and the writing was superb!! The only thing that was wrong was all the grammatical errors (misspelled words)and language consistency, for example:"Buenas nochas" instead of "Buenas noches" and other misspelled words in Spanish throughout the book. It looked a bit like it was rushed and not proof-read! Otherwise, I immensely enjoyed the book and can't wait till the sequels come out!!!
STR8 BOLT.......2006-11-18
This is one book that is hard to put down. I have lived in Southern California all my life and could invision most of the locations mentioned in this book. The way the author describes the characters is marvelous. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has wanted to go back in time and change the way something happened or didn't happen to them. Can't wait to see the movie that will be made from this book.
STR8 BOLT.......2006-08-16
From the time I picked this one up I could not put it down. At 192 pages, easily read in your spare time over a weekend. Excellent plot and character development. All can indentify with the premise of going back & reliving those key turning points in our lives, with fore-knowledge, to change the outcome. Hopefully for the better :)
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